With three referenda on the ballot in the state of Mississippi this fall, local columnist T.J. Ray takes a look at the history of the Mississippi Constitution and wonders about the possibility of changes. (September 22, 2011, Page 4)

Do you think that, sometimes, the Democrats pay more attention to Republicans and their problems and vice versa? Editor Don Whitten writes that what has been more of a national issue is now starting to trickle down locally as parties have internal squabbles that are making the opposition take note. (September 14, 2011, Page 4)

Brian W. Pray writes to give another thought about what the city – and county – should do with the windfall from the sale of the hospital, while Harley Garrett writes to say that the government has too much power and we should be taking it back. (August 18, 2011, Page 4A)

Has politics changed? And is it winning? Local columnist Deidra Jackson writes about the gamesmanship and inflexibility that’s taken over the process and wonders how the vast majority will end up having to deal with what’s ahead. (July 28, 2011, Page 4A)

Remember the story from Genesis about Abraham trying to deal with God to save Sodom? Local columnist Jimmy Reed uses the story to illustrate the point that the country’s leadership needs to learn a bit more about compromise if there’s to be any solution to the ongoing debt crisis and economic woes. (July 19, 2011, Page 4)

Patti C. Harris writes about the National Popular Vote pact and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and other issues and wonders if all of the irreconcilable differences might mean that a divorce is best for America. (June 16, 2011, Page 4A)

Albert Sperath writes to pass along information he gathered in response to Rep. Alan Nunnelee using the term “Obamacare,” but also to say his bigger concern is the lack of voice the minority has today. (June 14, 2011, Page 4)

The term “silly season” is probably related more to sports than anything else, but it could certainly be applied to presidential races and potential candidates. Editor Don Whitten says the political silly season is already in full force, and he takes a look at the ins and outs of Republican candidates to oppose Barack Obama in 2012. (May 25, 2011, Page 4)

Preston Ray Garrett writes to say that President Obama should honor the terms of a budget agreement he reached with Democrat and Republican leaders, while members of the Antioch F.W. Baptist Church thanked those who helped make their fundraiser a big success. (April 22, 2011, Page 4A)

With nonpartisan – no party affiliation – voting, recent races have been settled easily and simply. Editor Don Whitten points to these races and what’s ahead with primaries this summer as proof that we should consider wide-open elections, particularly when it involves local offices. (February 2, 2011, Page 4)